Method and system to reduce infrastructure costs with simplified indoor location and reliable communications

ABSTRACT

A system for issuing a notification responsive to the occurrence of an event affecting a monitored person. The system has a monitoring device that determines occurrence of an event related to the health or safety of the person and produces a first signal when the event occurs. A first communications device issues a second signal upon receiving the first signal and a second communications device issues a notification signal upon receiving the second signal. The notification signal is issued to one or more entities and advises that an event has occurred. The first communications device has a shorter communications range than the second communications device. Also, the second communications device operating at a higher power level or a greater signal bandwidth than the first communications device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of the application assigned application Ser. No. 16/048,181, filed on Jul. 27, 2018, and entitled, An Event Detector for Issuing a Notification Responsive to Occurrence of an Event, which claims priority to the provisional patent application assigned application No. 62/537,633, filed on Jul. 27, 2017 and to the provisional patent application assigned application No. 62/537,904, filed on Jul. 27, 2017, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method and system for detecting an event and in response thereto utilizing an alert-based social network (also referred to herein as a private health (or event) management social network).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Remote personal monitoring typically consists of centralized call centers that monitor the status of one or more persons. While personal monitoring spans a number of industries, it can be generally described to fall into two primary categories; Health Management and Safety. Typically, an alert generated by a central notification device in response to a detected event sends a signal to the call or crisis center for assistance. Mechanisms that facilitate alerts typically span a person manually pressing a panic button to sensing changes in a person's physiology. Alerts are also initiated responsive to detection of a fall or an indication that a person has lapsed into a non-responsive state.

Of the 35 million Americans over 65, about 1 in 3 will fall in a given year, and 50% of those people who fall require assistance from someone to get back up. Seniors are hospitalized for fall-related injuries 5 times more often than they are for injuries from all other causes. Falls are the leading cause of accidental death for seniors. Research shows that with prompt attention and assistance, the survival rate for the individual is higher. The ability to summon and receive assistance easily and quickly encourages seniors to live independently. But the longer a person spends in a helpless situation, unable to summon and receive help, the greater the likelihood that he/she will require treatment at a supportive care facility.

Fall detection is also important for many other applications such as the “lone worker” where no one is present to detect when an individual has fallen or become incapacitated. For elderly people who live alone, suffering an incapacitated condition and unable to summon help is a common worry, which usually marks the end of his/her independent living arrangement. Statistics have shown that after a fall or other emergency, 90% of people who receive assistance within one hour will continue independent living after receiving treatment, but for those receiving help after 12 hours, only 10% continue to live independently.

Fall detectors currently exist and typically fall into three categories: shock detection, non-movement, and orientation sensing. In the first shock detection category, the unit detects a shock triggered by the fall event. The second non-movement category is typically detected using a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer. The third category typically employs a tilt switch (e.g., a mercury switch or equivalent) embedded in an object that is worn on the person. When the person and the object fall, for example, into a horizontal orientation, the tilt switch is triggered.

However, a shock can also be detected by a shock sensor worn on a person, for example when the person inadvertently bumps into a counter while walking around the home. Also, when one has a serious event (e.g., a sudden cardiac arrest), the person may not fall violently to the ground. Instead, the person may simply slowly collapse to the ground such that the shock sensor is not triggered. The tilt sensor likewise has drawbacks including disabling it each time the wearer wants to lie down (e.g., to take a nap or go to bed for the evening).

Other health related events such as but not limited to blood sugar, blood pressure, pulse variations (referred to as medical related parameters) and the like may contribute to the overall health management of seniors. Likewise, simple “panic buttons” are frequently used to alert another party of a potential or actual problem (medically related or safety related) of the wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description, given with respect to the attached drawings, may be better understood with reference to the non-limiting examples of the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fall detection system of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a height detection device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a notifying device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an event detection system of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a triangulation-based event detector.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a smart television for use with certain embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION Introduction

Today there is a plethora of data available that can be collected and analyzed on behalf of a person, individual, subject, animal, device, computer, wearer, robot or any other object able to be characterized (called an “entity” herein) for determining various actions an entity may wish to perform, such as but not limited to comparing or modifying fitness routines, alerts for possible health related matters or other events, emergency responses of an individual or entity, data transfers, conducting a transaction or executing a task, as non-limiting examples.

Various systems are described herein for accomplishing various actions, such as detecting or predicting a fall, a medical emergency, a safety-related or security-related event, including an event that requires assistance from another entity. Such systems are beneficial to a variety of industries, markets and applications including hospitality, housekeeping, health and medical, education (such as active shooter detection), empty warehouse or other area, fire and entry, detention and/or correction facilities, suicide prevention, enterprise, retail, real estate, and many others where entities live and work alone or requiring monitoring.

SUMMARY

Such event detection systems or devices (also referred to herein as sensing devices, panic buttons, or pendants) may comprise one or more devices that perform various functions of sensing, triggering, alerting, notifying, and responding. Devices may take many forms such as but not limited to wearables, mobile, portable, or other form-factors that can be hung on a wall and/or embedded into other devices such as but not limited to door knobs, picture frames and the like. Some devices may be comprised of one or more of the following: an MCU (micro-controller unit); various sensors; communication devices and channels, methods, and networks; RF, antennas, motion detectors, microphones, speakers, indicators such as LEDs, speakers, displays and the like. Devices that collect data and/or contain one or more buttons and or sensors are called “event detection devices” or “sensing devices” herein.

Devices and/or services that may send alerts to one or more devices or services are called “alerting devices” herein. Devices and/or services that notify other devices are called “notification devices” herein. Responding devices that receive notifications or alerts and/or take some action are called “responding devices” herein. The responding devices or entities are typically determined by the nature of the event and the types of sensors that initiated the alert. In some embodiments, one device may provide the functionality of all features described above, or a combination of those features.

As described herein, the nouns vitals, metrics, and measurements are generally used interchangeably to refer to a condition or parameter that may be influenced by the occurrence of an event; in particular, by a health-related event.

Summary of Sensors

To accomplish their objectives, devices may sense various parameters related to biometrics, knowledge metrics, electronic metrics, physical activities, behavior metrics (e.g. behaviors), and/or psychological indicators of a subject. These parameters can be sensed, analyzed and/or stored locally and/or remotely on another server, cloud, and/or portal. The collected data may be analyzed to invoke an indicated response on behalf of the entity, and/or retrieved and viewed to manage the care and/or alerts of an entity.

Parameters in this context are equivalent to metrics, measurements, vitals, statistics and other data that can be collected regarding an entity that could be utilized to determine status (e.g., health, wealth, and personal status and states, such as but not limited to emotional states, safety and the like).

Physiological (or biometric) parameters may include: heart rate, blood pressure, blood type, oxygen saturation, heart rhythms, cardiac activity, body temperature, breathing patterns, breathing index, fatigue, stress, dizziness, fall prediction, fall detection, motion sickness, pain level, brain waves, brain wave patterns, sleep patterns, blood chemistry, sweat chemistry, respiration rate, shock indicators, urinalysis, medication intake, missed medications, overdose, caloric intake, blood sugar level, water and/or hydration level, posture, weight, height, gait, eye color, IRIS, hand, fingerprint, face, voice, audio print, iris print, voice pitch, dimensions of a body part, facial dimensions, facial response and/or expression, galvanic skin response, odor and/or scent, pheromone, electrocardiogram, electroencephalograph, blood alcohol level, drug presence or level, and the like. For a user with known disabilities, additional sensors that detect conditions related to that disability may be employed.

Knowledge metrics or knowledge parameters may include, but not limit, passwords, phrases, keys, numbers, PINs (Personal Identification Numbers), and/or any individual or combination of parameters that are so unique that only the owning or knowledgeable entity would know the exact code/password/phrase, etc.

Electronic metrics refer to emissions from an electronic device, which may be distinctive relative to an electronic emission from another electronic device. These electronic metrics may include signal characteristics that are unique to an electronic device and can be collected and analyzed to identify that specific electronic device. Electronic metrics may also be used to analyze the health or status of an electronics device by detecting changes in the electronic signatures (e.g. changes in various RF emissions, electronic or magnetic emissions, emissions from transformer or power supplies, and the like).

Behavior metrics or parameters relate to a behavior performed by an entity or subject that can be used to discriminate the subject from another person. Behavior metrics may consist of one or more behaviors, actions, activities, gestures, motions, motion speed, motion acceleration, motion velocity, direction of motion, general motion or general activity, specific motion such as gestures or a specific activity, hand gestures or hand signatures and elements thereof, facial expressions, body motion and position, eye blinking rate, number of eye blinks, a glyph, a vocal utterance, an aural utterance, motion of an object, position of an object, a drawn pattern, a time interval between two behavioral-metric inputs, physiological dimensions, induced vibrations, duration of a behavioral-metric, a hand signature, time elapsed for creating the hand signature or creating hand signature elements, a static gesture, one or more sign language letters, a rhythmic input, gait, motion, movement, positions, voice inflections, pressure, directions, steps taken during a predetermined time interval, step gestures, vocal sounds and/or utterances, motion and/or movements, brain activity, or any behavior and/or activity that can be sensed and is distinctive to the entity and/or different from the entity's “normal” and/or average or expected behavior.

Psychological parameters may be collected from the subject's brain waves, including moods, interactions with others, thoughts, emotions, emotional intensity, attention, thought patterns, dizziness, depression, happiness, sadness, or any brain wave activity that can be sensed and is distinctive to the entity or to a knowledge metric.

Brain waves may also be sensed to detect an event or impending event. The brain wave sensors may include: alpha wave sensors, SQUID sensors (superconducting quantum interference device), sensors especially sensitive in the near IR segment of the spectrum, sensors capable of measuring one or more of the frequency, amplitude, phase, and power of brain wave signals. In one embodiment, a wearable device is placed near or touching an entity's head to collect brain waves only when in close proximity to the brain. In one embodiment brain waves are collected from the nervous system.

One or more of the sensors of the present system may be external to any operative communications system or network associated with the present invention. A sensor can be located at strategic locations in a structure, facility, or room. Sensors can be placed in doorframes at varying heights from the floor. Depending on the application, sensors may include acoustic, infrared, motion, and still and video cameras. To this end, certain parameters or metrics may be detected by event detection devices external to an entity, but that pertain to the safety or well-being of the entity. For example, various metrics may be used to detect intrusion events including but not limited to physical access, door entry, motion detection, glass breaking, scream or shot detection and other access or safety indicators and the like. Other detection methods that could potentially detect an event specific to intrusion, or another emergency event like an intruder or medical event such as stroke, includes but is not limited to sudden changes in heart rate, adrenalin level, and/or brain wave activity, as non-limiting examples. In such events, an appropriate response may be to record sound and/or pictures, videos or multi-media from microphones and/or cameras on the local or other separate devices proximate to the entity.

Sensors can also detect dangerous environmental conditions. Such sensors may include heat and smoke detectors, chemical sensors, alarm sensors, and intrusion detectors.

While the sensors are used to detect and measure parameters and activities, such as those set forth above, various features of the parameter or activity may be extracted for additional analysis.

Notification Server Versus Distributed

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 including one or more event detection devices 120 (also referred to as a monitoring device). As shown, certain embodiments comprise a storage element 110 as described below, while in other embodiments the storage element is not included nor required. In some embodiments the event detection device 120 communicates (wirelessly in one embodiment) with one or more notifying devices 150 when an event has occurred, i.e., issuing a signal 127. The notifying device(s) issue a notification signal 125 when triggered by the signal 127. The notifying device(s) 150 can be centralized, in some embodiments, whereby alerts are sent to one or more servers locally or remotely, or to a cloud-based server, as non-limiting examples, or distributed, in other embodiments. As described elsewhere herein, the notification signal 125 is sent to and received by entities 129 for responding to the event. The entities may receive the notification signal individually or the notification signal may be sent to a network for receiving by all entities on the network.

The notifying device(s) 150 may also comprise combinations of features, such as the event detection device 120 (that is, the event detection device and the monitoring device are disposed in the same enclosure) and/or the responding device (i.e., all in one device). In the case where the system is a single device, detections, alerts, notifications and responses are all self-contained within the single device so that an entity is alerted and a response is executed locally when an event is detected on that same device.

The event detection device 120 includes a manual alarm button or switch 160 that the wearer/user can activate manually at any time to summon help.

FIG. 1 also illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein the notifying device 120 issues a signal 121 for receiving by a communications device 122 and responsive thereto, the communications device 122 issues a signal 123 to the notifying device 150. As in the embodiment described above, the notifying device generates and transmits the notification signal 125. In this embodiment, generally the signal 121 is at a lower power, or a lower bandwidth or a lower date rate (i.e., the signal 121 is less robust than the signal 123).

Communications Methods, Channels and Networks

A communications link can be used to transfer collected and sensed data and information between the entity's various electronic and processing devices. Such a link can also be used to transfer an entity's personal data (such as health related information) to a caregiver or family member, either in real-time from the event detection devices and/or from a repository such as a portal or equivalent. In the latter case, with access to the health-related information, for example, one's health can be monitored from afar by a family member or a medical professional.

Data such as but not limited to vital signs, statistics, historical medical records, imagery, multi-media, reports and/or metrics collected over time may be viewed and managed from a central repository, or in some embodiments, distributed using decentralized database technology, or in some embodiments, via a blockchain. The blockchain enables public release of medical data while keeping private data secure. Data may exist anywhere throughout a centralized or decentralized system, but only the owner of the data determines who can gain access to private data and when that access is permitted. As a non-limiting example, a doctor could be denied access after the patient has transferred to another doctor. Data can be automatically copied or moved to another memory location or repository upon a change in permissions so that data is preserved while access change is honored. Data may also destroy itself, after validation of copying to another location, to further ensure integrity of the overall system. All data may remain encrypted via distributed key management, but data may be used to set parameters, thresholds and algorithms to detect events.

A device may include communication components to create a communications link to pass data and/or voice recordings, to send notifications, location information, a two-way or multiparty audio link with another device over any communications channel according to one or more of the available communications protocols, e.g., Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WiFi, NFC, LTE, 4G, 3G, EDGE, and RF over near field and/or extended distances, RF to a phone or a base station, RFID, a beacon signal, sound, light and the like. RF emissions from a communications device can be beamed steered (by the device operator or another party on the communications link) to improve reception of the RF signal. Additionally, a virtual intercom and/or “walkie talkie”, push-button or otherwise, can be created between any two or more devices. In another embodiment, the wearable device of the invention communicates with a second device according to a single short distance protocol such as but not limited to NFC (near field communications). The second device may include multiple communications protocols for communicating with a plurality of different communications devices over varying distances.

Fall or Event Detection

In one embodiment in which the event detection device 120 (see FIG. 1) comprises a height detection device disposed in a pendant, bracelet or other wearable item, the height detection sensor determines height information from any one or more of height-determining devices (sensors) either embedded in the height detection device or separate therefrom. Although incorporating the height determining device into a wearable item may be most convenient, this configuration is not required so long as the person can gain access to the device when an emergency condition arises.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the event detection device 120 includes a floor height storage element 110 that stores a floor height (e.g., an altitude of the floor above sea level or a pressure above sea level at the floor height) at a present location of the wearer. Before the wearer falls, a height of the event detection device 120 is outside a threshold range indicating the occurrence of a fall.

When the wearer falls, the event detection device 120 detects this height change. If the device 120 remains within the threshold range of the floor (e.g., 8 to 16 inches from the floor) for longer than a predetermined period of time (e.g., 15 seconds), the device 120 sends an alarm signal to the notifying device 150, which may be located elsewhere in the space occupied by the wearer (e.g., a residence, home, apartment, condominium, assisted living apartment, assisted living facility, nursing home, hospital room, and boathouse).

In some embodiments, a second sensor, a motion and/or gyro sensor (reference character 128 in FIG. 2), may detect some movement and/or direction that may indicate a fall is about to take place, i.e., a fall is imminent. This event may in turn start or increase the rate of data collection or collect additional data using other sensors that then uses pressure, as a non-limiting example, or another height detection sensor to detect the change in height. In some embodiments, the height detection sensor may or may not be worn by the entity. In addition to or in lieu of detection of height changes, the other sensors may collect other data from the entity that might be indicative of a fall or a horizontal position, such as lying on a bed.

FIG. 2 also depicts a speech-to-text converter and a text-to-speech converter as elements of the monitoring device 120. These converters are used by the wearer/user for sending a text message based on the user's spoken words or receiving a text message when she/he is unable to view the message.

Where Worn

Various types of wearables can be used in conjunction with the invention to carry or enclose the sensors for collecting pertinent data. Such wearables may include: a wristband, bracelet, necklace, garment, ring, choker and the like to be worn on the head, face, wrist, arm, leg, foot or any part of the body, clothing or accessories.

As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment the event detection device 120 comprises a battery-powered device that can be worn in a pocket, on a lanyard, on a wrist, clipped on a belt or worn on or as part of clothing, accessory and the like, for example. Although described in the context of a wearable, such is not necessarily required as various devices can be used to support the sensors, processors and ancillary components required in the context of the various embodiments of the present invention. For a non-limited example, sensors may be attached to a bed, a chair or some other object in certain applications for detecting that a fall has occurred.

Trigger Mechanisms and Physical Embodiments

In some embodiments, sensing devices may contain trigger mechanisms such as simple buttons and/or sensors that can send alerts to one or more other devices or social networks, either by manual or automatic activation. In certain embodiments, event detection devices may take other forms such as attachments to beds, objects, embedded or hung on walls, accessories to other objects such as but not limited to wallets, keys or cell phones and the like. The device features could be part of and/or added to a mobile device, such as but not limited to a phone or phone case, wearable, or some other object. Likewise, the “alerting device” could contain sensors and/or manual methods such as a button, gesture, brain-wave detection sensor or the like to detect an event and facilitate an alert. In such embodiments, sensing and alerting combination devices may be clipped onto clothing, worn as jewelry or other wearable forms, or within inconspicuous forms such as buttons or other features on clothing, walls or other objects in general.

In some non-limiting embodiments, in lieu of or in addition to detection of an event responsive to sensed parameters, an event may be triggered by an entity “manually” or otherwise by purposeful intention. Methods to purposefully indicate the occurrence of an event and the subsequent issued alert include but are not limited to pressing a button, performing some gesture, behaving in some manner, or thinking a word, phrase, location, object or the like.

The event detection device 120 may include a battery (either replaceable/disposable or rechargeable, see FIG. 2), a sensor for gathering or receiving height-indicating information (and location information in one embodiment), a microprocessor (labeled as “CPU” in FIG. 2), a radio transmitter/receiver, the floor height storage element 110 (for storing a floor height in the embodiment where the event to be detected is a fall), and a microphone/speaker.

In certain embodiments and when using certain sensors, the event detection device 120 determines an absolute height, such as an absolute altitude above sea level. The absolute altitude, which may be derived from an atmospheric pressure measurement, indicates a height of the floor surface, and the value may be stored in the floor height storage element 110, including periodic updates as the wearer's elevation changes.

Under certain circumstances, periodically (e.g., every 15 seconds) the sensor determines its height, i.e., an absolute altitude above sea level. Since the sensor is within the device 120, which is worn by the user, the altitude of the sensor is indicative of the altitude of the device 120 which is further indicative of the height of the wearer or user.

The system next determines (again periodically or manually) a height difference (in one embodiment as indicated by a pressure difference) between the floor height value as stored in the floor height storage element 110 and the current height value (of the event detection device 120) as measured by the sensor. This difference value indicates the height of the device 120 above the floor or above the floor height.

Finally, this difference height value is compared with a threshold value to determine whether the wearer has fallen. A comparator, such as a logic circuit or a CPU and software, can perform this comparison operation. The alarm is issued to the notifying device 150 if the difference height value is within the threshold, as this indicates that the user has fallen.

Exemplary sensors for use in the system include but are not limited to: (1) an altitude sensor, (2) a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) sensor, (3) an RF sensor such as such as LTE, GSM, Bluetooth or WiFi sensor (4) a pulse oximetry sensor (5) a motion sensor (6) a light sensor and/or (8) a sonic or ultrasonic sensor. Combinations or all of these sensors may be used to determine the occurrence of a fall or incapacitated event. The use of these sensors is described in additional detail herein.

One embodiment uses a GNSS sensor to detect a fall. In a first technique, a GNSS sensor provides an absolute altitude. In a second technique, the GNSS sensor provides a relative altitude, e.g., relative with respect to another GNSS sensor such as a reference sensor 130 (which is at a known height).

In one embodiment, when the event detection device 120 detects a ‘fallen’ condition, as a non-limiting example, an audio link is opened with the microphone/speaker within the event detection device 120. The audio link may be established automatically upon detection of a fall, triggered automatically, periodically, or in some embodiments, initiated by another responding device. In addition to activating the microphone/speaker, other components of the event detection device 120 can be activated for receiving or determining/sensing information that can be used to negate the fall determination.

Once the audio link is established, the entity can be queried, such as by asking, “Are you okay? Have you fallen?” Such messages may be generated from the voice message synthesizer and heard by the wearer by operation of the microphone/speaker in the event detection device 120. The audio query message may be in the form of synthesized speech phrase stored within the voice message synthesizer.

Alternatively, an illuminated indicator (an illuminated lamp, for example) on the event detection device 120 may be energized to serve as the query. The query may also be issued by a Siri-like device in close proximity to the entity.

If no response is received from the entity or a response indicative of an emergency condition (e.g., a yelling response, a recognizable phrase such as “yes, I have fallen” or a moaning response, as non-limiting examples) is received, the height detection device issues the alarm to the notifying device 150, which in turn issues the notification.

In one embodiment the event detection device 120 and the notifying device 150 periodically exchange heartbeat signals to ensure that both devices are operable. Thus, in this embodiment if either device has not received one or more of the heartbeat signals from the other, the audio link is established with the wearer to again query the wearer as to his/her condition.

The microphone/speaker in the event detection device 120, (see FIG. 2), may be the preferred approach for the wearer, now designated as a fallen entity to provide additional information as to her/his condition. This information can be forwarded for use by emergency personnel or any entity who will render emergency assistance, either in person or via a recording of the response for later retrieval and use by responding parties. Examples of this additional information may include, for example, “I slipped in the bathtub”, “I fell down the stairs”, etc., as non-limiting examples. Again, these specific details may be useful for anyone providing assistance to the fallen person. Any such additional information can be provided by the fallen entity directly to the microphone/speaker on the notifying device 150 for in turn communicating to anyone on the notification list or can be provided to the microphone/speaker on the event detection device 120 for communicating to the notifying device 150 and then to one or more parties on the notification list. The spoken words of the wearer can also be recorded and stored for later use.

The fallen entity may also cancel the initial indication of an emergency condition, again through the audio link with the microphone/speaker of the event detection device 120. For example, in response to a query or independent of a query, the fallen person can simply say, “Cancel”, “no”, or “I did not fall”, all of which may be prompts or programmable as non-limiting examples.

To avoid false alarms, after conditions indicating an event has been detected, but before the notification is issued by the event detection device 120, a confirmation query may be issued to the entity. The query, which may be issued by the event detection device 120 or from a portal to be described in conjunction with FIG. 4, prompts the entity's response that may confirm occurrence of the event (a fall, medical, safety or other emergency condition) or set aside the event as a false alarm. If the wearer confirms the event, the notifying device 150 issues the notification; if the event is deemed incorrect, the notification is not issued. The entity's response to the query may be pressing a button, a gesture, or in text or vocal form. If the latter, the vocal response may be checked for authenticity by voice recognition to ensure that the denial was issued by the entity controlling the event detection device.

Queries may be in the form of symbols, written text, banners, and/or audible alerts. Audible sounds may, in some embodiments include sounds, canned or synthetic words, and/or words or phrases in the voice of someone the entity knows. Queries may also include actual pre-recorded voice and/or video or multi-media “snippets” so that the entity is familiar with the voice and words or phrase that is being said. In yet other embodiments, TTS (text2speech) and STT (speech2text) may also be used to communicate with the entity.

After a fall or another emergency condition is determined and confirmed, the event detection device 120 issues an alert and the notifying device then issues the notification. In one embodiment, the system is configured to allot a revocation time interval for cancellation of the alarm or cancellation of the notification by the wearer. In the event the notification has already been issued, it is “withdrawn” or cancelled when the notifying device 150 issues a “cancel” notice. This revocation time interval is variable as set by the entity.

In another embodiment, the event detection device 120 comprises a manual button or actuator for use by the entity to initiate or cancel the emergency condition. In an embodiment comprising two actuators, actuation of a first actuator confirms the emergency condition and actuation of the second actuator cancels notifications of the emergency condition. The length of time an actuator is held, such as a press and hold for some determined seconds, may also serve to cancel an alert notification.

Although a verbal confirmation from the wearer that he/she did not fall is preferred, in one embodiment the system comprises additional sensors for collecting medical and health parameters and vital signs (referred to as non-verbal parameters or metrics) that can be used to determine the entity's condition, including but not limited to an indication that a fall has occurred or did not occur.

To more accurately determine the fallen entity's condition, the event detection device 120 may include the necessary sensors to determine one or more of the following parameters: pulse rate, blood pressure, oxygen level, alcohol level, activity level, dizziness, steps taken during a time interval, behavioral changes, gait, scent, sweat, voice, blood chemistry art rhythms, EKG, cardiac and lung sounds, weight, body mass index, caloric intake, medications taken (time of administration, dosage), etc. These sensors can be activated concurrently or in a hierarchical fashion based on results obtained from other sensors. The entity can also provide additional information as to his/her condition through the audio link.

Certain of these conditions and parameters may also be captured by video and audio sensing and recording devices within the device 120, the device 150, or another component of the system. For example, a loud thump detected by an audio sensor may indicate that the wearer has fallen. Fusing the response from multiple sensors such as a microphone, for instance, with other sensors such as motions sensors and/or height sensors can help differentiate an actual fall event from false alarms.

Certain states and statuses of the height detection device 120 (and the notification device 150 and other devices associated with the present invention) may comprise one or more indicators (e.g., LEDs) on an external surface thereof. These indicators can indicate available battery power, charging status, on or off condition, connectivity to other devices in the system, errors, faults, etc.

Notifying Device 150

The principal function of the notifying device 150 is to issue notifications to various parties in response to the alarm signal issued by the event detection device 120.

The notifying device 150 can be located anywhere proximate and within communication range of the event detection device 120 (see FIG. 1), or can be incorporated into the event detection device 120 (not shown), or in yet other embodiments, be cloud based whereby a server or other notification device 150 has a communication path with the event detection device 120. In the former embodiment, the device 150 may sit on a shelf in the wearer's residence, be worn by the wearer, or be incorporated into a wall or wall-hanging, as non-limiting examples.

As shown in FIG. 3, the notifying device 150 may comprise one or more of an RF receiver/transmitter 510 for communicating with the height detection device 120, a power supply, a microprocessor/CPU, a telephone, and/or internet communications interface 520, a microphone, a speaker, and a voice message synthesizer.

In certain embodiments the device 150 further comprises a reference sensor 130 and the floor height storage element 110. In the latter case, with the floor height information stored in the notifying device 150, the device 150 participates in the fall detection process.

In yet other embodiment the device 150 may further comprise other sensors such as but not limited to a motion sensor, a direction sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and/or a pulse oximetry sensor.

The power supply of FIG. 3 may comprise a transformer connected to a source of electricity. The power supply may additionally include (or may exclusively include) a battery-based power source for use when electricity unavailable. In some embodiments, the battery may be charged via a charging circuit connected to an external power source, such as USB, as a non-limiting example, and/or via power harvesting techniques such as but not limited to a solar panel, a piezo circuit and the like.

When the system has determined that an event such as a fall or falling asleep is immediately imminent or has occurred, the system can additionally contact a third party to aid the affected entity. Also, one or more communications channels may be established for use by the entity to speak with the third party. For example, a family member may be alerted, an ambulance and/or the police summoned, and/or the primary care physician contacted. A two-way voice channel may also be established between the entity and a third party, such as the family member, ambulance driver, medical professional and/or other entity.

Detection of a fall is described only as a non-limiting example of the event detection system, and is not to be interpreted as the only event that is detectable by the system. A large number of events with varying alert levels can be detected from a large variety of responses include sleeping, getting out of bed, walking, running or exercise, missed medications, overdose, dizziness, dehydration, blood pressure and other metabolic changes, breathing changes, heart rate changes and the like.

A measurement, metric or parameter may also be performed independent of the occurrence of an event. In such cases, the vast number and variety of metrics and detected conditions may be utilized to form thresholds, algorithms and triggers that suggest the occurrence of an event. In some embodiments, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is applied to adapt to the vast number and variety of data to formulate the criterion for an event. Thus, under this embodiment, AI adapts to the collection of metrics such as vital statistics to better prevent, diagnose and detect when an event alert should be detected and notified, to whom, and with which location and/or alert level or classification.

Events may also be based on predictions as well as on actual occurrences. In this context, vitals and other metrics may include psychological metrics derived from brain-waves and other methods to sense emotional stability for the prevention of depression and/or suicides, as non-limiting examples.

The notifying device initiates outbound communications to a third-party through the appropriate communications interface 520 (see FIG. 3) to issue a notification signal. Such an interface may include, but is not limited to, any one or a combination of communications devices such as: a PSTN telephone device, a cellular telephone device, a cellular texting device, and/or an internet and/or internet of things (IoT) communications device (e.g., an IoT device, a Bluetooth or BLE device, a WiFi device, VoIP device, an email device, or an instant messaging device).

As used herein, a third-party is any person contacted by the notifying device 150, including, but not limited to one or more 911 emergency services, a monitoring service, a doctor's office, a nurse's station, a social network, a chat room, a crisis or call center such as but not limited to an assisted living facility or hospital emergency/assistance desk, a friend, or a relative. Other third-party personnel are described relative to other embodiments and applications of the present invention.

In some embodiments, no notification is sent, but rather a voice call is immediately established.

The notifying device 150 may include, in addition to or instead of the communications interface device 520, an audible sound generator, triggered by the alarm signal from the event detection device 120. The sound generator creates and emits an aural signal to those within hearing range of the notifying device 150. Likewise, a visible signal may be triggered from the event detection device 120. The actual alarm may be local to a device, or separate on another device called an “alarm device” henceforth.

The notifying device 150, through the communications interface 520, attempts to contact help responsive to the alert signal. The device 150 may make one or more attempts to locate a family member, crisis or call center, neighbor, front desk personnel, caretaker, central monitoring station, or the 911 emergency operator and the like. When contact is made, the notifying device 150 provides an indication of the problem (e.g., an LED, a message, a display, using recorded or synthesized speech, such as from a voice messages synthesizer shown in FIG. 3) or using another audio or digital message or signal.

The notifying device 150 may make VOIP or other connections, or dial numbers or otherwise attempt to contact help either in a pre-programmed “roll-over” order or in an order specified by the wearer during configuration of the system. Contact information for the parties to be contacted is stored within a memory of the notifying device 150, and calls may be escalated by the responder and/or the entity associated with the detected event at any time.

Likewise, in some embodiments, no notification is sent, but rather an actual voice call is initiated. A voice call may be performed over any communication path utilizing CODECs that help manage a call over low bandwidth communication paths, or via an actual dialed number. In all embodiments, contact lists may be utilized to notify and/or call all parties at once, or in hierarchical fashion where the notification and/or call is “rolled-over” to the next entity or group on the list after no response for some time period. Time periods for roll-over may be programmable via a setting.

In some embodiments, the call list may be remotely programmable over-the-air. For a non-limiting example, phone numbers on a SIM card can be remotely updated over-the-air such that the roll-over numbers to crisis centers could be changed, similar to speed dial features in phones. The number of minutes could be unlimited or limited, depending on use case.

Sleep State

According to one embodiment of the system, the event detection device 120 and the notifying device 150 remain in a low power state until certain conditions occur. Maintaining the devices 120 and 150 in such a low power state obviously conserves battery power.

Various triggers are employed to “wake up” one or both of the devices 120 and 150. For a non-limiting example, the event detection device 120 can be automatically awakened periodically (every 10 minutes, for example), to determine its height relative to the floor reference height and determine if the height differential is within or outside the threshold range. If the differential is outside the range, indicating the wearer has not fallen, the event detection device 120 returns to the sleep state. If the differential is within the threshold range, indicating the wearer has fallen, the device 120, and the notifying device 150, transition to an operating state.

In addition to awaking the height detector, other sensors associated with the event detection device 120 can be awakened by a wake-up trigger.

According to another embodiment, the system of the invention further comprises an accelerometer that can sense motion of the entity and/or a gyro that detects several different directions. If such motion is sensed, a signal is generated to wake up the height detection device 120 from its sleep state. Once awakened, the device 120 determines whether a “fall” has occurred as described herein and if detected, generates the alert signal to the notifying device 150, which in turn provides a notification to various parties as also described herein.

A motion sensor such as but not limited to an accelerometer and/or gyro and/or combinations of motion sensors can also detect motion or activity of the wearer. The frequency at which the event detection device 120 measures the pressures to detect a fall is responsive to such activity. That is, whenever the motion sensor first detects motion after a quiet period, the device 120 is awakened and pressure readings are taken. The frequency at which additional pressure readings are taken is responsive to the activity of the wearer, as determined by the motion sensor. For example, the motion sensor can detect when the wearer is walking. Since walking increases the likelihood of a fall, the event detection device 120 can increase the frequency of height measurements during a walking episode. On the contrary, after a period of no activity as detected by the accelerometer (for example, the entity may be asleep) the rate at which height detection measurements are taken is reduced. Thus, the rate at which the height detection measurements are taken is throttled by the activity of the wearer.

Severity Level of the Emergency or Event

According to one embodiment, a severity level is assigned to a detected emergency event or condition. The severity levels characterize the emergency and may be designated red, yellow, and green, or other indicators, words or symbols. Clearly a fall is assigned a “red” severity level. When the event detection device 120 detects a fall, it is immediately assigned a “red” level. Other equally severe events may be assigned a “red” level, while less severe events are assigned to the “yellow” and “green” levels.

The severity level is determined by the event detection device 120, which recognizes either a verbal message of the wearer or metrics derived by sensors, apart from the sensors that determine a fall condition. A signal indicative of the severity level is sent to the notifying device 150, which in turn issues notifications responsive to the indicated severity level. The specific details of those notifications as related to the severity level include: the communications vehicle by which the notifications are sent, the parties to whom the notifications are sent, and an indication of the immediacy of the condition (e.g., need immediate help for a fall condition or can wait a few days for scheduling the doctor's appointment).

Severity levels can also be changed (upgraded or downgraded) based on later observed metrics. For example, a yellow severity indicator based on an elevated blood glucose reading for an extended period may trigger an appointment request to check the medication type and dosage with a physician. But if the blood glucose level suddenly rises above a threshold value, the severity level is changed to red to trigger a “red” notification for immediate response by a family member or caregiver.

Notified Parties

Responsive to the alert from the event detection device 120, the notifying device 150 issues a notification to one or more individuals or services on a preconfigured list of persons to contact in case of an emergency (referred to herein as a “notification list”). The list may include friends, emergency personnel, family members, a chat group, caretaker, physician, emergency operator, police office, fire fighter, 911 operator, etc. All parties receiving a notification are also advised of the severity of the situation according to a red, yellow, or green indicator.

The notifying device 150 can communicate over one or more different communications channels and networks and, according to several different communications protocols, to provide notifications to the one or more persons or groups. Generally, and by way of example only, the notification from the notifying device 150 to the one or more persons may take the form of a text message, an email, an instant message, messages to a chat forum, or any other electronic notification.

In addition to conventional communications protocols and techniques described herein, a device of the invention may also be used in the email and text message space and to conduct a transaction. The device can send and receive emails, push notifications and text messages, and/or any other alert or notification services, to provide time-based or location-based notifications to the user and activate a personal response to an email or a text message. Additionally, the device can store any of the data collected and transmit that data to another processing or analysis device.

The first party who accepts a notification initiates a voice call and is dubbed the “first responder.” The first responder also has the capability to add other parties to the call. As a non-limiting example, if the initial notification is made to a son and a daughter of the fallen person and the son is first to accept the notification, the son becomes the “first responder.” The son may want to add his sister to the call. Likewise, in other embodiments, other individuals may be added who did not receive the notification, such as a general practice physician, specialist or 911 dispatcher, as non-limiting examples. In yet other embodiments, one or more other individuals may request to be added to a call by notifying the first responder, who may then add or refuse to add the requesting individual. In this way, multiple parties may participate in the call to assist the fallen person and offer advice to anyone who is physically present with the fallen person. If an emergency personnel is deemed the first responder, he or she may opt to call other parties and/or receive calls from other emergency responders to join the call with the fallen person. If a medical professional is “in charge” she may opt to call other family members, medical specialists or other medical or emergency personnel.

All subsequently contacted and/or notified parties are informed of the “in charge” party and each is notified as to the party(ies) who have been contacted, parties who are currently “on the call”, status information of the fallen party, and the like.

In addition, issuing the notification can open an audio link to the microphone/speaker in the event detection device 120 worn by the wearer, thereby allowing the wearer to speak directly with one or more of the notified persons. The fallen party can also participate in the call through a Siri-like device that has been integrated into the system.

All calls established responsive to an alert notification signal can be configured as two-way (person-to-person) calls or 3-way or multi-person calls (conference calls). Any party on a notification call can establish or request a conference call to add other parties to the call.

Video calls and video conferences can be used in lieu of or in addition to the audio calls referred to herein.

Alert Classifications

In another embodiment, if specific information about the wearers' condition can be determined, parties who were previously identified at the time of call set-up may receive the initial emergency call or may be later added to the call. In this case, the emergency is classified as to type, e.g., is it of a medical or safety nature. If the emergency is classified as a medical situation, then medical personnel are notified.

If the emergency is classified as a safety issue, then police assistance would be required and the notification and/or call would be routed to the appropriate alert management social network, group and/or crisis center. In such an embodiment the event detection device 120 may further comprise a plurality of actuators (e.g., manual buttons or switches, icons on a touch screen) each associated with a specific condition. A first actuator is associated with a fall condition, a second actuator is associated with chest pain condition, and a third actuator is associated with a request for groceries. By actuating the first or second actuators, the wearer can summon medical personnel; by actuating the third actuator the wearer can summon help from a child or caretaker.

Additionally, the emergency condition can be classified as to its severity (red, yellow, or green)—is help required immediately or within 24 hours? This information can be provided orally by the wearer, by selection of the appropriate actuator on the device 120, by selection of the proper icon on a display or by preselection as to the action required based on the classification of the event. The severity can also be determined (and the appropriate color identified) automatically by the event detection device 120 and/or the notifying device 150.

Notification List

In another embodiment, upon receipt of the alarm signal, the notification list of parties (in effect, a distribution list) to be contacted had been prioritized such that the entity or party(s) at the top of the list is contacted first, followed by contacting parties of decreasing priority on the notification list. Failing to reach the top priority party, the second party on the list is next contacted, and so on. Alternatively, in some embodiments the notification list may comprise a flat list, with all parties having equal priority or all parties contacted simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the list that is sent is responsive to the type, classification and/or level of the alert.

In another embodiment, the first call is placed to a service provider, who then makes subsequent calls to family members, physicians, etc.

Details of the calling process, parties on the notification list, calling priority, type of notification, etc. are established when the system is set-up or configured.

Social Network

Utilizing one or more of the communication methods discussed herein, two or more entities may form a social network that maintains an ad hoc monitoring and/or management (via one or more event detection devices 120) of an entity, object or physical space. This social network could be formed as a result of an alert, dedicated to emergency response or one that supports personal monitoring, or augmenting an existing network that may or may not be expressly formed for the purpose of management and monitoring of one or more entities. In some embodiments, members of the social network may create or select topics, tasks, subjects or “threads” to segment conversations regarding the management of one or more entities.

For a non-limiting example, two or more responder devices, such as but not limited to cell phones, could be utilized to communicate with one another via software, app, browser or the like to manage the health and safety specific entity or area.

In some embodiments, the sensing and communicating devices may be part of a network or an Internet of Things (IOT). In other embodiments, the social network includes or comprises one or more crisis or call centers who take on the responsibility to manage the alerts. Regardless of the composite that forms the social network, the social network that acts “responders” responsive to an alert notification is called an “alert management social network” hereafter.

In addition to alert management, such alert management social networks would be used to collaborate regarding the management of an entity, such as but not limited to discussing treatment, issues with medication, blood sugar or other changes in vitals, scheduling matters, sharing information such as files, imager, vitals, multimedia and the like. With the popularity of social media today, a user of the device of the present invention may choose to engage in “fitness”, “happiness” (e.g. psychological, etc.) and/or “health” competitions with other social media users. Alert functions may also be added to such existing or new social networks, or in some embodiments, a social care network formed for the purpose of collaborating care for one or more entities. The user's physical actions can be sensed and tracked, as well as her/his physiological (biometric) metrics and/or psychological metrics. The physical action and biometric metrics can be collected by or uploaded to a social media website where they are compared with other social media users to determine who is the “fittest”, “happiest” and/or “healthiest”.

Data from either the event or collected metrics may be shared amongst the social network can be centralized or distributed via cloud, point 2 point or peer-to-peer (P2P) connectivity.

In one embodiment the notification process itself creates a chat room or social network, also referred to herein as a private healthcare social network. Within this embodiment of the invention, all interested parties may join the chat room upon receiving an alert notification. The “first responder,” the first to accept the notification, may also invite others to join the chat room. All participants in the chat room are aware of all activities, medical information, medical test results, diagnosis, data associated with the fallen party, the severity level of the emergency (e.g., red, yellow, or green), etc.

The chat room/social network participants may share information with all members of the chat group in real-time through audio, video, messaging, and posting techniques. All participants in the chat room converse with all others in the chat room in the same conversation and each participant can invite others to join the chat room. The participants may be connected via a shared internet connection (according to the internet protocol standard or VOIP) or another similar connection. Additionally, chat room participants can share files and videos. Further, any chat room text message can be converted to a voice mail message, by operation of a speech to text converter, for the convenience of any party who does not have access to text messages, including the fallen party. All text messages, shared files, voice messages, etc. that occur within the chat room are recorded for later use and analysis.

The chat room participants are each provided with substantial additional information about the history and current condition relative to the detected event. By way of example only, this information can comprise: pulse rate, blood pressure, oxygen level, alcohol level, activity level, dizziness, steps taken during a time interval, behavioral changes, gait, scent, sweat, voice, blood chemistry art rhythms, EKG, cardiac and lung sounds, weight, body mass index, caloric intake, medications taken (time of administration, dosage), etc. Certain information listed above is obtained from medical sensors that provide real-time data. Other information is obtained from those individuals with close personal contact with the fallen party (e.g., information regarding exercise regimens, sleep patterns, and psychological observations). Still other information is obtained from historical medical records. With this considerable additional information, the chat room participants can make better informed decisions regarding the care and treatment of the fallen party.

Notification Via an “App”

The system of the invention can also be embodied in an application (colloquially referred to as an “app”) executing on a personnel electronic device, e.g., a mobile phone, iPad, laptop and the like as well as a wearable item. The app-based embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4.

A pendant 400 functions in a similar manner to the event detection device 120. A microphone 402, a speaker 404 and an emergency button 406 are illustrated. The emergency button 406 can be activated by the wearer in the event of an emergency, for example if the wearer is unable to speak or if an emergency that has not been detected by the pendant occurs.

According to one embodiment the pendant 400 communicates bi-directionally with a WiFi router 420 (also referred to as a wireless access point), that in turn communicates with devices within a cloud-based portal 430 over an HTTPS link.

A P2P (peer-to-peer) voice service 434 sets up and controls communications with the parties who have received the notification, and a notification service 436 issues the notifications.

The portal 430 (more specifically devices and functionality within the cloud) communicates with a first responder's personal device 440 and personal devices 441 of other friends, family, and healthcare providers. As illustrated the first responder can contact the 911 emergency services or this can be done directly by the notification service 436.

The devices 434 and 436 also control and set up devices participating in the chat room and control communications among chat room participants.

A touch screen present on any of the devices 440 can present icons that are used to perform the various functions described herein.

When a fall is detected or surmised, a query signal is sent from the event detection device 120 (or another event or fall detection device not illustrated in FIG. 4) to the pendant 400 via the wireless router 420. The alarm signal issued by the pendant 400 when a fall has been detected (and confirmed in one embodiment) is sent from the pendant to the wireless access point and then to devices in the cloud.

The communications protocols indicated in FIG. 4 are merely examples of protocols that can be used with the present invention.

Returning to the system 100 of FIG. 1, the system 100 can determine the difference between a wearer lying down on a sofa for a nap and lying on the floor, based on a measured distance between a reference height (the floor, for example) and a height of the wearer. Thus, the wearer can wear the event detection device 120 all day and night if desired.

During set-up, one of the interface controls is activated to command the event detection device 120, which is at floor level, to determine its height and store this value in the floor height storage element 110. Such a command is received by the radio transmitter/receiver in the event detection device 120.

As discussed above, the sensor element of the event detection device 120 can comprise any sensor capable of determining the current height of the device 120. Certain sensors are accurate within one foot. One embodiment employs an altitude sensor to determine the height of the height detection device 120. An absolute pressure sensor (altimeter) can be used to determine absolute height or altitude based on pressure changes relative to altitude. Techniques for performing these operations are known by those skilled in the art.

While certain sensors may drift with environmental changes (e.g., temperature and humidity), such changes can be compensated by using a reference sensor 130 (see FIG. 3) in a fixed position and/or for providing reference measurements (e.g., relative altitude, temperature, and/or humidity). Accordingly, changes in environmental conditions that affect the height measurement can be compensated with reference measurements supplied by the reference sensor.

In any of the described embodiments employing voice communications, the microphone/speaker must be appropriately sized responsive to an acoustical signal strength of the spoken words (for the microphone) and for the generated acoustic signal (for the speaker). Given these constraints certain embodiments may use a separate microphone and speaker, in lieu of one acoustic transducer that performs both functions. Physical size, current demand, available power sources, separate components or a single dual function component must be considered relative to the preferred size of the event detection device 120/580 (see FIG. 5).

In yet a further configuration, the event detection device 120 and the notifying device 150 are integrated in a single enclosure such that the device 120 can issue a notification when an emergency condition is detected. In such an embodiment, the device 120 can communicate and issue notifications according to any communications protocol over any communications channel. Such a configuration may further provide the transmission of voice to the third party, as described above.

GSM, Bluetooth and WiFi detection systems may also be used for detecting height by monitoring a signal strength of a signal received from several known location transmitters. As shown in FIG. 5, in a system 570 transmitters/receivers 575 are at known transmitting locations, the known location transmitters 575 emit a signal that an event detection device 580 uses to triangulate its height and/or position. Although described in conjunction with height detection herein, the event detection device 580 can also detect other “events” as described herein.

In a configuration where the receivers of the transmitter/receiver 575 are at known locations, the known location receivers 575 receive a signal from the height detection device 580 that can use be used to triangulate its height and/or position.

Typically, in either case such triangulation is performed by triangulation circuitry by measuring signal strength from the known location transmitters and/or receivers 575 and/or arrival times of signals at either the event detection device 580 or at the location transmitters and/or receivers 575. The received information also can be compared with information based on a previously generated map of the signal strengths at different points.

The event detection device 580 and the known location transmitters and/or receivers 575 may also use bidirectional communication to determine position of the event detection device 580 and thereby the location of the wearer. For example, when the known location transmitters and/or receivers 575 detect that the event detection device 580 has emitted a location signal, they each respond with their own reply signal. By measuring a response time from each of the known location transmitters and/or receivers 575, the event detection device 580 can determine its position.

Moreover, in a bidirectional communication embodiment, the transmission from the event detection device 580 to the known location transmitters and/or receivers 575 can utilize a first communication technique (e.g., RF) which the transmission from the known location transmitters and/or receivers 575 to the device 580 utilizes a second communication technique (e.g., ultrasound).

In the triangulation-based embodiments, the event detection device 580 includes a floor height storage element such that the device 580 can determine if the event detection device 580 is in a ‘fallen’ condition.

In yet another alternate embodiment, sonic and/or ultrasonic sensors may also be used for sensing a height relative to the floor. In one such embodiment, location transmitters and/or receivers 575 would be arranged in various locations within the living quarters of the wearer. The event detection device 580 emits a sonic or ultrasonic sound wave once every minute, for example, and the location transmitters and/or receivers 575 receive the signal.

Other sensor types can be used to detect a “fallen” condition. A piezoelectric material produces a voltage responsive to application of a force or pressure. In one embodiment a sensor comprising such material is placed at strategic body locations that would experience a force when the wearer is in prone position. The resulting generated voltage is used to indicate alone or conjunction with one or more other sensors, that the wearer has fallen.

A ball switch or tilt sensor, which generate a voltage when oriented at predetermined angles, can be used to indicate that the wearer's body is oriented at an angle that suggests she/he is not standing upright. The tilt sensor or ball switch can be used in conjunction with one or more additional sensors to confirm that wearer's orientation or can be used alone to determine a fallen condition. However, this approach may generate false alarms when the wearer is taking a nap or lying in the bathtub, for example.

A timer may be used with any of the various sensors described herein to distinguish the wearer's transient body orientations (she knelt down nearly prone to retrieve an article from the floor) from body orientations that persist for an extended period.

The event detection device 120 or 580 may further include at least one sensor to determine that it is being worn thereby reducing false alarms. One such sensor comprises a movement sensor indicating a worn condition when movement (even a slight movement) is detected or when several movements are detected within a specified period of time.

An alternative “worn” sensor comprises a pulse detector. When the event detection device 120/580 is worn as a wrist strap or belt device, the pulse sensor monitors the pulse of the wearer. The absence of a pulse indicates the device 120/580 is not attached to the wearer, thereby again avoiding false alarms.

A heat detecting sensor comprises yet another sensor for determining whether the device 120/580 is worn. In this configuration, the event detection device 120/580 is placed in contact with a region of the skin. The device measures a skin surface temperature to determine whether the temperature is within range of a typical human skin temperatures.

A sensor for detecting simple physical contact with the wearer's skin can also determine whether the event detection device 120/580 is worn.

In another embodiment designed to avoid false alarms, the system of 100/570 specifies ‘safe areas’ where the wearer can lie down without triggering an alarm. Such places may include a sofa, bed and bathtub. With sufficient accuracy to distinguish such locations in the wearer's living quarters, the wearer can assume a prone (lying down) position and avoid triggering an alarm signal. These safe areas can be established during system configuration.

With this safe area approach, a determined prone position within a safe zone does not generate an alarm signal, but a prone position outside of a safe area generates an alarm.

Event Detection Device

The event detection device 120 issues an alert responsive to certain conditions that indicate the person (or physical space) monitored by the device 120 (also referred to herein as a wearer or a fallen person) has experienced an event worthy of an alert, such as but not limited to a fall. In turn, the notifying device 150 notifies one or more persons of the detected condition.

Adaptive Sensing

In one embodiment the event detection device 120 monitors various values associated with a condition of the monitored entity. The values can be sensed or measured continuously, periodically, or adaptively. In the latter case, the adaptive sensing rate may be based on a simple time-of-day or day-of-week schedule and/or a complex interaction of several other parameters. For example, if the entity's body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate have all fallen, this may trigger more frequent data collection for a specific sensor type and/or conducting another sensing activity such as performing an EKG, as non-limiting examples. Furthermore, various parameters could predict a potential event, such as falling and/or falling asleep while driving as non-limiting examples, and an appropriate response could be performed either locally on the same local device, and/or another remote device to which the indicating data has been transferred.

Analyzed individually or aggregated, the various metrics and parameter values can invoke an appropriate response. For a non-limiting example, certain physiological parameters (e.g., blood pressure or heart rate) may be determined by a wearable device, which includes sensors. The sensed parameters are analyzed and may indicate the subject is about to fall or has fallen. A pressure sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope and/or combination of sensors worn by the entity (components of the wearable device in one example) may provide additional indicators that such a fall is imminent or has occurred. Although the definition of imminent is not definitive, as related to the current invention generally an imminent event is one expected to occur within several minutes. Sensed parameters can also detect if a person is dizzy, about to fall asleep, or experiencing a repertory or cardiac event. In all examples, sensors worn by a person or external to a person, such as image or sound sensors hung on a wall or embedded into an object, could provide additional indicators that may be used to determine whether an emergency event is about to occur or has occurred, and alert one or more entities and/or devices to take appropriate response.

According to another embodiment, after a fall is detected but before the alarm is issued by the event detection device 120, a query is issued to the wearer. The query prompts the wearers response that may confirm the fall (or another emergency condition) or set aside the fall detection as incorrect. If the monitored person confirms the fall, the notifying device 150 issues the notification; if the event is deemed incorrect, the notification is not issued.

A detected event may be deemed incorrect by one or more of the following methods: sensors detect some criteria that reduces or eliminates the criteria required for a valid event, algorithms or thresholds deem the event no longer valid, timers and/or subsequent indicators deem the even invalid, and/or some response from the user indicating the event is no longer valid and should be canceled.

The event detection device 120 may contain one or more of the following sensing capabilities: height, movement, motion, blood sugar, blood pressure, pulse, pulse oximetry, temperature, sweat or any of the other parameters set forth herein.

The notifying device 150 may be a separate element from the event detection device 120 as illustrated in FIG. 1 or a component of the height detection device (not illustrated in FIG. 1). In another embodiment, the notifying device comprises an independent notification service in which case an event or alarm is issued to the service and the service issues one or more notifications.

Responses to Detection of an Event

Responses or stimuli directed to an entity may include, but are not limited to, indicators, vibration, shock, sound, lights flashing and the like. Other indicators that can capture the attention of a person may include but are not limited to messages and/or voice calls from one or more responding entities and/or devices.

Data Fusion

The data analysis process may involve fusing two or more data collected from the sensors and/or previously collected data to improve the propriety of a desired response. These parameters can be compared to the same parameter of the entity measured at an earlier point in time or compared with a large population of entities to determine a normal parameter value and/or thresholds and/or patterns that may be used to detect events. In either case, if the analysis determines that a parameter value is within or outside a normal range and “event” is detected and a notification with subsequent associated response is triggered. The collected data can also be aggregated with data from other entities to determine if the parameter is within or outside some range and thereby trigger an associated response, such as the occurrence of an event for which assistance is required.

In some cases, the collected data is stored and later a historical analysis of the data is performed. This analysis could provide trend information to the owner of the data, medical or fitness professionals, or shared with other individuals such as family or friends and the like. In some embodiments, data and/or data analysis may be shared over social media, or via apps on mobile, static and/or wearable devices.

To collect data (metrics or parameter values) to support detection of an event, the devices include appropriate sensors, such as physical sensors, brain wave sensors, transducers, pulse oximeters and the like. Such sensors can also be disposed on a wearable device. Other sensors are described elsewhere herein.

The use of various parameters for making certain decisions, performing certain actions, or detecting an event are described herein. However, it is recognized that certain parameters may be better indicators in conjunction with a specific decision or a specific action than other parameters. These “better indicators” can be regarded as a suite of indicators associated with that decision or action, and sensing and analyzing that suite of indicators can yield the most probable result. But such an approach does not suggest that the other indicators are of no value. However, these other indicators may not significantly improve the accuracy of the result and their analysis can therefore be avoided.

Some of the various described embodiments refer to the use of absolute parameter values for deciding or performing an action. However, in certain embodiments, a change in one or more parameters (such as a sudden drop in blood pressure or a change in a behavior-metric and/or brain-wave metric) over a time interval may be more revealing than steady-state values and therefore trigger a desired response, e.g., detection of a health-related event.

Location

In certain embodiments and applications device location may be important. Device location may be derived with the same communications methods described herein or in some embodiments, with the addition of external positioning systems such as but not limited to GNSS (global navigation satellite system), GPS (global position system), A-GPS (Assisted GPS), CellID, triangulation, trilateralization, OTDOA (O Time Difference of Arrival), WiFi based location services, ultrasonic, PDR (pedestrian dead reckoning) and VLC (visible light communication), beacon, or other RTLS (real-time location system) technologies so that location information can be sent by a device along with alerts.

A metric sensing device may additionally indicate its current location for the benefit of any responding parties and store all measured and sensed parameters (in particular biometric and/or behavior parameters) for later analysis and for use in predicting subsequent falls by the entity.

Certain techniques and devices are able to determine location indoors. For a non-limiting example, location of a sensing device may be derived utilizing beacons sent over Bluetooth or other RF (Radio Frequencies) so that the sensing device location may be determined from the beacon signal. In one application, the beacon signal embeds location information. When an event occurs, a proximate beacon is triggered to begin broadcasting. Transmission of the beacon signal alerts that an event has occurred. If the beacon signal includes location information, all entities receiving the alert signal are immediately aware of the location of the event.

In any of the described embodiments, determining the location of the event is critical for dispatching an entity to assist.

Another embodiment utilizes WiFi fingerprinting, a method that utilizes a set of WiFi signals captured by a mobile device and the measurements of received WiFi signal strengths (RSSs) from access points surrounding the device, thus deriving a “fingerprint” on a radio map of the correlated WiFi devices. Other methods utilize triangulation of cellular towers, TV towers, and other transmitters to derive location information, or in some embodiments, a location's lighting grid that forms a location-based positioning system utilizing visible light communication (VLC) technology.

Sensor Activation

Some described embodiments and applications involve a wearable (i.e., a wearable garment with various electron devices disposed therein or thereon). The wearable, including various buttons and/or sensors attached thereto or supported thereby, would be less intrusive than even a smart phone, but can offer a plurality of services to the wearer. The sensors can be activated based on time periods, time intervals, one or more entities entering or leaving a location or area, and/or manually such as placing one or more fingers in contact with or proximate a sensor, thereby activating the sensor to collect data.

Predictions/Algorithms

Certain systems of the present invention predict the occurrence of an event using applicable sensor data. Algorithms are employed to control and activate the various sensors and transducers and to analyze the sensed parameters in predicting or determining that the event (e.g., a fall, a seizure, falling asleep, a medical event, trauma and/or shock, etc.) will occur or has occurred.

Algorithms, executing in real-time or post-event, analyze the sensed data and information collected. As is known by those skilled in the art, these algorithms can be constructed to analyze all relevant data or subsets of that data to reach a conclusion. The algorithms can execute continuously or on a periodic basis, as well as locally and/or delegated and/or distributed to other entities and/or processors. Optimizing the algorithms may be desired depending on the nature of the action to be taken. For example, in the case of predicting a fall, nearly continuous monitoring, if not continuous monitoring, is preferred, while sleep and/or fitness analysis may only be performed when the activity of sleeping and/or exercise is detected.

Use of the system of the present invention to predict a fall may occur or declare that a fall has occurred, is one simple example of the many types of physical or health related situations that may be predicted or confirmed according to the present invention. Clearly, when considered relative to health situations, it is far better to predict the occurrence of a debilitating event than to confirm that such an event has occurred. Nevertheless, this invention covers both scenarios.

According to another embodiment, detecting that the subject has awakened or the subject has fallen asleep triggers the collection of certain sleep-related parameters. For example, parameters that indicate the subject is sleeping comfortably, e.g., lowered blood pressure and heart rate, can be collected after the device has determined that the subject has fallen asleep, thereby adapting data collection of one or more parameters to events detected by one or more other parameters.

Responses to Wake-Up Person

In a wearable or other application where a device is in close proximity to a person, an alert responsive to the event, is provided locally to the wearer of a wearable or a person close to the device. Responses can may include but are not limited to vibration, shock, haptic feedback, sound, illumination of a visible-light or infrared LED, and/or another local response. In other embodiments, a second device, such as but not limited to a phone, is activated and the alert provided by indication on a display, vibration, seat or bed movement, audio sounds via a speaker, or ultrasonic signals.

Mood Detection

The biometric and/or behavior-metric data collected according to the present invention can also be used to rate the “fitness” of the user. Even a psychological indicator (such as a depressed or happy mood) can be incorporated into the algorithm that determines a user's physical fitness. Obviously the biometric and behavior-metric sensors will play an important role in determining fitness, as do thought activities measured by brain-wave analysis.

Other Purposes

In addition to using the sensed data to detect or predict an event, the data can be used for multiple other purposes as described below.

The sensed data can provide: access control; data transfer, storage, and analysis (such as medical records); data transfers between two devices or among a plurality of devices; transaction executions; notifications (aural and visual); alerts; emergency responses; 1 or 2-way communications with a third party such as a medical, professional and/or family or friend; modifications to exercise regimens, modifications to health regimens such as but not limited to check-ups, food or water intake, and the like.

Any one or more of the event detection mechanisms described herein, including sensed and/or measured parameters and/or metrics, may be used to authenticate an entity, before an entity is permitted to execute a transaction or gain access to a secure area or to a secure device. Any one or more of the many different known biometric, behavior metric, knowledge metric, electronic metric and/or brain wave metrics can be used to identify (authenticate) an individual and determine that she/he has been permitted to gain access to the system or the limited-access area. Different or additional biometric, behavior metric, knowledge metric, electronic metric and/or psychological metric parameters can be used depending on the level of security associated with the system or limited-access area.

In certain embodiments, multiple entities may be simultaneously authenticated based on collected data. Also, a single entity may be simultaneously authenticated to execute a plurality of alerts and/or transactions, or in some embodiments, given access to a plurality of secure areas and/or devices.

Like other devices of the present invention, a wearable or other sensing device may also be used to authenticate, monitor (health or fitness, for example), conduct transactions, transfer data, and/or control a device or system via brain waves, gestures, touch interfaces, or any measurable or determinable action.

In conjunction with its use to execute transactions, a device may make payments, place orders, redeem rewards, manage insurance and financial accounts, monitor credit scores, manage loyalty accounts, and the like. The device can also store the user's social security number and use it or a portion of it to conduct certain transactions if appropriate safeguards are in place. Certain wave patterns or a gesture, for example, may indicate the account to be paid or the amount to be paid, while also, in some embodiments, authentication of the entity making payment and/or authorizing payment and/or payment parameters, such as but not limited to the payment amount, may be indicated.

Caloric Intake

In an application where the sensed data relates to caloric intake, a device of the invention (including a wearable) may determine the type of food ingested, the amount of food ingested, and the content of the food ingested. These parameters can be used to determine the caloric intake. This caloric-intake information can be acquired from: manual entry by the user, analysis of imagery of the food, measuring the impedance of body tissue, spectroscopic analysis, and analysis of sounds, vibrations, and motion during chewing and eating.

Medication Services

Recognizing the importance of taking both prescription and non-prescription medications on schedule, a device of the present invention can determine the number of and types of pills ingested, and the time of day that the pills were taken. For example, the sensor(s) 128 illustrated in FIG. 2 can detect this type of information. The information can be stored for later use and/or immediately transmitted to a third party for verification that the pills for the day have in fact been taken. Like other sensed parameters, this data can be correlated to schedules and/or other data collected in order to activate other measurements and/or actions.

The sensors 128 can also measure physiological and psychological parameters of user/wearer, including parameters that may be indicative of an imminent event, such as a fall.

FIG. 2 also depicts a location-determining component within the event detector 120 for determining a location of the event detector. Presumably the event detector is worn by the user of the system and thus the location of the user is also known. Various techniques, known by those skilled in the art, (GPS techniques, likely the most common) are employed within the location-determining component.

Personalized Services and Medication Delivery Based on Alerts

Any one or more or a combination of sensed or measured parameters can be used to determine a personal preference of the subject and/or offer a “personalized services”. For example, detecting a high blood sugar level may generate and present information (e.g., advertisements) to the subject relative to drugs and physical activity regimens to help lower that sugar level. Detecting a high blood sugar may also trigger an alarm to the subject, a member of his family, or his physician. Detecting a high sugar level may also initiate the ordering and delivery of insulin and syringes to the subject's residence or office.

In another embodiment, a sensed or measured parameter may indicate an entity's favorite food or drink, thereby triggering an advertisement responsive to the preference.

In another embodiment, the presence of the entity may be sensed and a personalized service promoted or an advertisement displayed. Additionally, personalized services or ads may be activated based on various triggers, including but not limited to an entity's activity, a timer, a specific time, or a time interval, a response to a query, a transaction, motion detected or specific motion detected such as walking, running, standing, driving, or sleeping.

When the user enters a retail establishment, as determined, for example, by GNSS and/or other location technique, certain parameters can be sensed or collected to determine a user's location within the establishment (e.g. aisle, counter, etc.), what the entity is observing, what the entity has purchased, etc.

Fitness

As related to fitness data, the device of the present invention can determine the number of visits the entity makes to a gym, spa, or another work-out facility. The length of time spent at the facility, the number of visits over a time interval, the exercise equipment used, and the duration of use of each exercise machine can be determined, stored, analyzed, and used to generate an historical picture of the subject's exercise regimen.

Co-Owned and Incorporated Applications

The following co-owned applications disclose and/or claim concepts relevant to the present invention and each is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Multi-Instance Shared Authentication (MISA) Method and System Prior to Data Access, filed on Jun. 23, 2016 and assigned application Ser. No. 15/191,456.

Components for Enhancing or Augmenting Wearable Accessories by Adding Electronics Thereto, filed on Sep. 2, 2015, and assigned application Ser. No. 14/843,930.

System and Method to Personalize Products and Services, filed on Jul. 15, 2016, and assigned application Ser. No. 15/212,184.

System and Method to Personalize Products and Services, filed on Sep. 6, 2016, and assigned application Ser. No. 15/257,101.

System and Method to Determine User Preferences, filed on Jul. 15, 2016, and assigned application Ser. No. 15/212,163.

Preferences Driven Advertising Systems and Methods, filed on Jul. 15, 2016, and assigned application Ser. No. 15/212,161.

The teachings of the invention can be applied to other embodiments as described below.

As used herein a communications channel refers to a physical medium over which a communications signal propagates. The medium can be air (for propagating a radio frequency signal, for example a signal transmitted on a WiFi or a Bluetooth network) or conductors (in the case of an Ethernet-based network). For Internet signals, at least a segment of the medium typically comprises an electrical conductor. A communication channel also comprises an optical communications link between two devices.

As used herein a communications technique, modulation, or protocol can refer to details of the communications signal, e.g., modulation scheme, frequency, polarization.

Generally, in the context of the present invention, a communications range of a communications device (receiver or transmitter) refers to its capability to close a communications link (with a discernable signal) to a distant transmitter or receiver. A “short range communications device or component” is one capable of transmitting an over-the-air signal several feet or perhaps hundreds of feet, such as a WiFi signal. A “long range communications device or component” refers to one capable of transmitting a signal for tens, hundreds, or even thousands of miles. Internet-enabled communications devices or components fit into this latter class as the Internet provides such a communications range, whether the signals propagate over-the-air or through a conductive medium.

One embodiment of this invention relates to sending alerts or notifications to receiving entities upon the occurrence of an event involving a monitored person or when such an event is imminent. Generally, these receiving entities are identified beforehand by the monitored person. Also, the alerts or notifications are typically initially sent from a communications device worn or under control of the monitored person. In some embodiments the alert or notification is received by a communications device and retransmitted to yet one or more other communication devices.

As used herein “entity” generally refers to any electronic device comprising communications components capable of receiving and sending alerts and notifications, and refers to a notification service that receives alerts and responsive thereto pushes the alert or notification to one or more other entities. “Entity” also refers to persons operating such communicating devices. The entities may preferably comprise one or more individuals (or lists of individuals, groups, entities, and/or devices) who can assist the monitored person in response to the event, such as an emergency condition.

In one embodiment alerts are sent to a notification service that in turn pushes notifications to individuals, including contacts, individuals, and devices who have been predetermined to receive the notifications. The receiving parties and associated contact information may have been supplied by the monitored person.

A notification service may be established on a server whereby two or more devices may “rendezvous” to determine each other's ID and/or address on the network. Such a server can be a small “server stick” or another server where devices may provide their ID's or addresses upon joining or rejoining the network. Upon receipt of a notification or alert, the server issues a signal/notification to all devices on the notification network.

In another embodiment notifications are sent directly to individuals, groups and or emergency lists without use of a notification service. For example, a device such as a pendant, having “found” another device, may send the notification directly to the “found” device. The pendant may also send the notification to addresses and/or ID's of other nodes (devices) on a mesh network using BLE communications, for example. Other devices on the network, once alerted by the pendant, can in turn exchange information with the pendant.

Generally, any such non-server-based communications links include VOIP, point-to-point, peer-to-peer, or mesh networks. Establishing a communications link without the use of a server obviously reduces communications costs. However, in any server-based communications link, the server can communicate the alert/notification to devices on other networks through a server associated with those other networks.

In some embodiments, an alert notification may simply be broadcast to all other nodes on a network or within communications range.

The content of the notification and alerts described herein may be in the form of voice, text, video and/or other multimedia formats.

To increase the likelihood that the alert or notification will be received, the notification may be sent over more than a single communications channels and/or using one or more communication protocols.

A single notification may also be sent repeatedly using different communications protocols or channels. For example, the alert is first sent to all devices identified to receive it over a cellular network. That alert can be sent according to any protocols supported by the cellular network, such as voice, SMS text, photo, or video, etc. The same alert is then sent via email messages carried over the Internet. Finally, the alert is sent via a voice call over the PSTN.

Communications links are essential to the issuance and receipt of the alerts and notifications described herein. The devices sending and receiving such alerts and notifications are considered comm-agnostic and can any of the following exemplary communication protocols: WiFi, Bluetooth, ANT, THREAD, BLE, BLE X.0, 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, CAT-1, CAT-0, CAT-M (LTE CAT-M!, CAT-M1, LTE-M, NB-IoT (CAT-M2), EC-GSM (EC-EGPRS), ZIGBEE, NB-IOT (Narrow Band Internet of Things) and proprietary techniques such as LoRa, RPMA, Weightless and SigFox. Those skilled in the art are aware of other communications channels, schemes, techniques, or protocols that can be used.

The communications network can comprise a broadcast network, mesh network, peer-to-peer or a point-to-point network, Internet and in some embodiments, utilize IoT (Internet of Things) services. In some applications, a private network, such as but not limited to a personal area network (PAN) may be preferable as communications over such networks are not easily intercepted.

In many applications and embodiments, multiple individuals and/or a group of individuals may be joined together to form a social network (including an ad hoc network). The social network may be restricted to entities with a shared interest or a common bond, e.g., a private social network. See for example, co-pending and co-owned application Ser. No. 16/048,187, filed on Jul. 27, 2018, entitled, A Social Network for Responding to Event-Driven Notifications.

In one embodiment notifications are issued according to a prioritized scheme, for example, a first priority list and a second (lower) priority list. Entities and individuals on the second list represent lower priority contacts and/or they may not be as well equipped to provide a suitable response quickly. Either of these two lists may include family members or friends of the pendant wearer, and first responder professionals.

In another embodiment if a first contacted individual does not answer the call or respond to the notification within a specified time period. The notification may be resent and/or, the call rolls-over to send a notification to a second individual on the list. If no answer, the notification again rolls-over and is sent to a third individual, etc. If any entity having received the notification does not respond within a predetermined time interval then the notification is repeated to that individual and/or sent to another entity on the list.

The lists referred to herein may be derived from contacts of the monitored person, such as contacts identified in a mobile phone, social media sites, and the like, or the contact information may be entered manually via a keyboard or a speech-to-text converter. The order of contact may also be configured as desired.

In embodiments that utilize mobile communications, text, SMS or other texting technologies may be used to send notifications directly to a receiving party. Alternatively, the notification may comprise a voice call. Direct phone calls may be made between mobile phones and the pendant or wearable over voice communications, so that no VoIP services and the like are needed.

Prompts can be deactivated during user-specified hours so that no voice prompts are issued during those hours. For example, a low-battery prompts can be deactivated during night time hours so as not to annoy the monitored person or pendant wearer.

In yet other embodiments, wearables with limited communications capabilities and/or limited processing power, such as smart watches or pendants, may connect to other devices that possess the necessary communications capabilities or connectivity to reach one or more entities for responding to the event.

In some embodiments, a voice call, as part of an alert or a follow-up to an alert, may be sent either via the traditional cell phone or VoLTE (Voice over LTE) network, or via a VoIP or equivalent CODEC that utilizes a sufficiently low bandwidth to support voice communication over such low bandwidth data networks. These low bandwidth networks may be, for example, limited to about 300 kbps, such as LTE-M or 125 kbps, such as NB-IOT. Long range BLE networks using data compression and low bandwidth CODEC techniques can also be used.

Any of the voice communications techniques referred to herein may be simplex, push2talk, or full 2-way duplex.

The notifications and alerts referred to herein may include push notifications to a software app, text messages, SMS messages, emails, and any other technique or system for providing information from one person or device to another person or device.

When the wearer or holder of a pendant, panic button assembly, or wearer of a wearable device (also referred to as a wearable) issues a notification or alert, a voice prompt can advise the wearer or holder that the alert or notification was sent to one or more individuals, an emergency network, a monitoring service, a first list of possible responders, and/or a second list of possible responders, etc.

Additionally, the pendant wearer/monitored person may also receive information that a notified party is responding to the event.

Information regarding receipt of the notification or response by a receiving entity can be provided to the wearer in the form of a note on a display (e.g., e-paper or equivalent, or B&W or color display, LCD, TFT), appearance of an icon or a cartoon-like character on the display, a haptic sensation, a voice prompt or other sound, activation of a steady or flashing light or sound. Additionally, other information such as the name, picture, estimated time of arrival and the like of the responding party may be provided to the pendant wearer.

Similarly, the notified or responding party is alerted to the notification in the form of a note on a display (e.g., e-paper or equivalent, or a black and white or color display, LCD, TFT), appearance of an icon or a cartoon-like character on the display, a haptic sensation, a voice prompt, activation of a steady or flashing light or sound.

Either party (the pendant wearer who is experiencing an emergency situation or critical situation) or the notified party can send “canned” messages that advise the other party. Such messages can be received and displayed similarly to such canned messages in prior art two-way and one-way emergency pagers/locators.

The device operated by either party (i.e., the notifying party and the notified party) comprises a scrolling feature to scroll through or swipe the received and sent notifications and messages, a plurality of telephone numbers, or other contact information. Activation of another button dismisses/deletes messages.

The monitored party can also scroll through a plurality of phone numbers to select one for initiating a call. Activation of another button initiates a call to the selected number. Any notifications or messages can be displayed (individually or a plurality) in whole or part for sending or deleting or responding to.

As used herein “button” refers to a hardware or software (icon) component that when activated or closed performs one or more functions. The button can be activated by pressing (e.g., push-to-talk), by single or multiple taps, or by a press and hold action.

Messages may be generated at the pendent as the wearer speaks and a speech-to-text application converts the speech to text for forming a part of the notification. The pendant may also support simplex, duplex or two-way texting, messaging, chat and the like.

In some embodiments, the solution may integrate with other popular third-party applications to support social networking, emergency social networking, chat, text, messaging and/or voice apps such as Skype, what's app, google hangouts, twitter, Facebook, slack and the like.

In one embodiment, text-to-speech and speech-to-text capabilities may be used to awaken the device, such as a low-battery prompt. Voice, audio, and video prompts may also be utilized to awaken the device. These prompts can be turned off during wearer-specified times.

A device of the present invention can be programmed locally or remotely with phone numbers, email addresses, and text message addresses of the parties (Dad, Mom, 911) who are to receive notifications and alerts, or in some embodiments, utilize contact lists from other devices such as mobile phones, computers, or apps such as but not limited to Facebook, twitter and the like.

Preferably the device operated by the notifying or notified party is charged wirelessly or through conventional recharging contacts.

One application for the inventive devices relates to a group of people who are traveling or attending an event together (e.g., a trip to an amusement park or attendance at a sporting event). Each member of the group can push messages to other members or activate a push-to talk button (e.g., operating as a walkie talkie) to reach other members. An ad hoc group can be formed such that a message sent to any member of the group is received by all members of the group.

In some embodiments, communications from and to the monitored person integrates with other popular third-party software applications to support social networking (e.g., social media), emergency social networking, chat, text, messaging and/or voice apps such as Skype, what's app, google hangouts, twitter, Facebook, slack and the like.

The various messages referred to herein can be recorded and played back at a later time. The messages can also be encrypted.

In addition, in some embodiments, text to speech may be used to awaken the device and/or send message to one or more individuals in a contact list or an emergency list.

In the context of a hotel or motel, a smart television (comprising a microphone and in certain applications a camera) in each guest room reacts to a scream of a room occupant by alerting hotel security or the hotel front desk. The alerts are transmitted from the smart television via an Internet connection or another communications network. Of course, in this application false alarms generated by, for example, loud conversations in the guest room or a baby crying, must be ignored. In one embodiment, the duration or volume of the loud noise can be used to discriminate between an emergency situation for which assistance is required and a false alarm.

FIG. 6 illustrates a smart television 600 for use according to one embodiment of the present invention. The smart television comprises conventional television components 601 and a plurality of sensors 602 for monitoring conditions of a proximate person and for monitoring environmental conditions proximate the smart television. If any of the sensed parameters indicate occurrence of an event, a communications component 604 issues a notification signal, similar to the notification signal issued according to other embodiments of the invention. The notification signal can be carried over a wired or wireless connection to one or more entities 129.

Like other embodiments and devices associated with the present invention, the smart television 600 comprises a manually-activated actuator 610, initially intended to control the smart television, but in one embodiment the actuator has been repurposed to perform a different function when manually activated. For example, manual activation may be used to signal the occurrence of an event.

Certain devices are referred to herein as “smart” devices, e.g., smart televisions, smart wristwatches, and smart phones. These “smart” devices generally include a processor that can execute software associated with applications that allow the smart device to perform dedicated functions, including accessing web sites and executing transactions. Generally, these smart devices perform many additional and more complex functions than their “non-smart” counterparts. For example, a smart wristwatch can measure blood pressure of the wearer; a conventional wristwatch can do nothing beyond indicate the time of day.

The alert mechanism activated according to the described embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a voice, a gesture, or a less expensive emergency button (including, but not limited to a button or manually activated mechanism on a phone, a TV, any control device, or any surface within a structure).

Reutilizing and repurposing a button (also referred to as an actuator), such as one on a TV controller, provides an alert mechanism. For example, when an alert button on a TV controller is activated (or any button on the TV controller that has been repurposed), a family member (e.g., a granddaughter) or a first responder is presented with an alert indicator on a TV, smart phone, computer, or another personal device. The party receiving the alert notification can assess the situation to determine if assistance is required, requesting and/or receiving additional information regarding the situation.

Alternatively, the same techniques (e.g., repurposing of button on a device) can be used for non-emergency purposes, such as, but not limited to, an intercom or a remote non-emergency communications system. As a nonlimiting example, grandma could push a button and send a non-emergency notification, such as, but not limited to, asking her granddaughter to purchase cookies when the granddaughter next visits the grocery store.

Although certain devices have been noted for use in the various described applications and embodiments, in a more general context, any communication device may have the ability to communicate with any other communication devices. That is, the event detection devices described herein include communication components, such as but not limited to, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and any other protocol, communication method, modulation scheme, transmission medium, frequency, message protocol, etc. to effectively communicate with other devices described herein. Similarly, the various notifying devices described herein are equipped to communicate with any other communication devices.

In another non-limiting embodiment, a smart device, such as a smart TV, functions as a texting tool to display text, photos, videos or other multimedia content. In one application, family members may use such a smart TV to share content with other family members. In a further enhancement, a button on a TV remote control or a TV channel is configured as a “family channel” where family members and friends can send and view multimedia content. Typically, each such device provides two-way communications.

Although certain embodiments of the invention have been described in the context of a smart TV, those skilled in the art recognize that other “smart” devices in the home (referred to as a “smart home”) have pertinent features and may be employed to realize these certain embodiments. Additionally, IoT devices can be used to implement these inventive features.

For elderly family members who may have suffered some hearing loss, a speech-to-text converter is employed when sending messages to such an elderly person over the family channel. At the receiving end, a text-to-speech engine is used to convert to speech that the elderly person can hear instead of reading the text message.

A cue (a signal as to what might follow) may be, but is not limited to, a button, a voice, a sound, or an action/gesture of an impending fall, for example. Also, a period of inactivity after a rapid movement, such as a fall, would be a cue that something is amiss. After the fall the person would be in distress and unable to activate a sensor and thus activation before the event is necessary. For a non-limiting example, a person could, under the threat of an emergency, hit a button on a wall and/or turn on a smart tv thereby activating an emergency call to emergency personnel or a person on the notification list.

Strategically located and mounted cameras will record and stream the event, permitting those receiving the stream to evaluate the severity of the event. One of the receiving parties can control the field of view of the video camera to better ascertain details of the event.

In large structures where people work or may be found at locations distant from a central location or out-of-range of others (a hotel or factory, for example), it is particularly important that any notification triggered by occurrence of an event include information of the event location. If the location is known, help can be quickly dispatched. Thus, a system for issuing event notifications, including location of the event, is particularly advantageous.

According to one such system, signal transmitting devices (beacons) are placed at various locations around the structure. The beacon transmitting devices periodically transmit a beacon signal, which includes the location of the transmitter. Monitoring device (sensors) are also placed at locations around the structure and people within the structure may wear sensors (wearables). Advantageously, the transmitting and monitoring devices are collocated. The monitoring devices (e.g., smoke detectors) and/or the wearables (e.g., blood pressure monitors) measure environmental and physiological parameters to determine occurrence of an event that warrants notifying personnel who can render assistance and notifying others who may be affected by the event (a fire, for example).

However, in a large structure it is also advantageous to indicate the location of the event, whether the event is an environmental situation (a fire for example) or a health or safety-related situation (a person has suffered a heart attack, for example).

To determine the location of such a health or safety-related event as a person moves about the structure, each person in the structure carries a receiving device for receiving a signal from each of the beacon/signal transmitting devices and for determining the beacon with the highest received power level. This beacon is therefore determined to be closest to the person and thus is approximately indicative of the location of the person. Thus, the notification issued by an advising occurrence of the event can include location information based on the determined highest power level.

Environmental-related events, as detected by fixed monitoring devices at known locations in the structure, can include the location of the monitoring device that detected the event within the notification. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for issuing a notification responsive to the occurrence of an event affecting a monitored person, the system comprising: a monitoring device for determining occurrence of an event related to the health or safety of the monitored person, the monitoring device further comprising: a first component for storing first and second reference parameter values both for use in determining occurrence of the event; a first sensor for determining first real-time parameter values; a second sensor for determining second real-time parameter values; an analysis component for analyzing the first real-time parameter values relative to the first reference parameter values, and responsive to determining a first predetermined relationship therebetween, then activating the second sensor and analyzing the second real-time parameter values relative to the second reference parameter values; responsive to results of analysis of the first and second real-time parameter values indicating that an event has occurred, the monitoring device for issuing the first signal; the monitoring device further for determining one or both of an event type and an event severity, the first signal indicating one or both of the event type and the event severity, the event type including a health-related event or a safety-related event; a first communications device having a first communications range for transmitted signals; a second communications device having a second communications range greater than the first communications range; the first communications device for receiving the first signal and for issuing a second signal responsive thereto, the second signal indicating one or both of the event type and the event severity; and the second communications device for receiving the second signal and for issuing a notification signal responsive thereto, the notification signal issued to predetermined entities and indicating one or both of the event type and the event severity, the predetermined entities receiving the notification signal based on the event type and the event severity.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring device comprises sensors for measuring physiological parameters of the monitored person and for producing the first signal responsive to occurrence of the event and when one or more of the physiological parameters is within a range of values indicative of an imminent medically-related event.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the notification signal is sent over a first communications channel to the one or more entities and thereafter sent over a second communications channel to the one or more entities, the first communications channel different from the second communications channel.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the notification signal is repeatedly sent to the one or more entities using different communications protocols or different networks for each transmission of the notification signal.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the different communications protocols or different networks comprise, a voice message or a text message over a cellular network, an email message over an Internet, a voice call over a public switched telephone network, a server-based communications network, or a private communications network.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more entities comprises a first and a second entity, the notification signal issued to the first entity and if the first entity does not respond to the notification signal after a predetermined roll-over time, the notification signal is issued to the second entity.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring device and the first communications device are disposed in a pendant, a wearable, a wristwatch, a mobile phone, a panic button assembly, or an Internet-of-things device.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising one of the one or more entities providing a reply signal responsive to receipt of the notification signal, the reply signal including an estimated time of arrival at a location of the monitored person.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the notification signal includes measured parameters related to a physiological condition, a physical condition, or a physical orientation of the monitored person, the measured parameters measured by one or more sensors proximate or attached to the monitored person.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein access to the measured parameters is governed by a blockchain.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the notification signal is sent on a communications channel or according to a communications protocol based on characteristics of the notification signal and based on communications channels and communications protocols available to the one or more entities receiving the notification signal.
 12. The system of claim 1, the monitored person receiving information that an entity receiving the notification signal is in process of providing assistance to the monitored person.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the notification signal includes medications administered during a prior time period of predetermined length and a time the medication was administered.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the event comprises a fall and the notification signal includes measurements of physiological parameters of the monitored person, the measurements acquired before or after the fall.
 15. The system of claim 1, further comprising a location-determining component such that upon occurrence of an event a location of the monitored person is determined, and the location included within the notification signal.
 16. The system of claim 1, an app resident on a personal electronic device of the one or more entities, the app for receiving the notification signal, communicating with the monitored person, and notifying other entities of occurrence of the event.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the second communications device comprises a mobile phone and the predetermined entities are identified in lists of contact information, the lists stored in the mobile phone.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the notification signal is issued only when the monitored person is within a first predetermined area or the notification signal is not issued when the monitored person is within a second predetermined area, the first predetermined area different from the second predetermined area. 